Re: P...

[Frank Carney <frankc@cyberhighway.net>]

Compare the Apple II software to console software:
Atari would be VERY upset if you started selling bootleg copies of their
games, they might also be very upset if you started distributing them on
the web in binary format.  I know for a fact that Nintendo is taking an
active role to track down people distributing their old 8-bit ROMs in
binary format.  The reason: They want to retain ownership of their
products in order to facilitate "classic" re-releases and because it is
theirs.  If people are allowed to wantonly copy old ROMs then there
would be no reason for anyone to buy a "classic" product.

Now on the flip side the organization that was formed to track down
illegal ROM sites may not be representing companies that made ROMs
simply because the companies do not exist.

I also need to note that there is a good reason for these ROM sites.  If
you OWN (have the cartridge) the product there is legitimate concern
that repeated use is going to damage the product.  Then getting the ROM
(or making one yourself) from the net to use as a "working" copy is one
way to preserve your investment.  This paired with an emulator (by the
way the emulators are not the property of the console manufacturer, it
is competition) is an excellent way to enjoy your favorite games.

Having said all this I must point out that though there are those with
good intentions this approach is fraught with abuse.  Now, to be fair to
the Apple people, most of the companies that made software are now gone
or do not even know they made Apple II software.  Also, even some of the
companies that made Apple II software do not care about what was made
for the Apple II.  One of those companies is Micro$oft.  I do not see
them tracking down people copying their ROMs that were licensed to
Apple.

So, I guess the main crux of all this rambling would be to use your best
judgement to ensure you are not infringing on the rights of others.
This may cause you to be active to ensure that a copy of something you
are using is, in the authors mind, "okay" to use.  Also, if your
judgment is suspect then make sure to ask someone whom you believe to be
of sound ethics.

---

You know you are a redneck if your kids come home with mouth wash
calling it the "Good Stuff".